Morning teachers! It’s a week for asking questions.
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| What can Census data tell us about Australia? Where does Andy Griffiths get those wonderfully weird ideas? Why do people volunteer? And just how fast can a hippo swim when it really wants you to leave? |
| We’ve got classroom ideas and resources for all of the above. |
| Here we go… |
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| We’re sure you haven’t missed the news that Tuesday 11 August is Census night, when, once every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics attempts the rather enormous task of counting every person and household in Australia. |
| The questions are a fascinating snapshot of how Australia changes. BTN has a great kid-friendly explainer that includes the fact that the Census once asked whether homes had a flushing toilet. It’s a fun way to explore why Census questions change over time. And it makes this week a great excuse to do a little data detective work in class. |
| The ABS has a Snapshot of Australia from the 2021 Census, which students can explore to discover who lived here, where we lived, the languages we spoke, the jobs we did and plenty more. You could give groups different categories to investigate, ask them to find the statistic that surprises them most, or have them use the data to create their own Australia in 2021 infographic. |
| There are also ready-made ABS classroom resources for exploring Census data, including discussion prompts, downloadable activities and links for digging into local community statistics. |
| A simple class challenge: Ask students to come up with one question they would put on the Census if they were in charge. What would they like to know about Australians in 2026, and importantly, why would that information be useful? |
| A little statistics with a little bit of civics thrown in. |
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Andy Griffiths jumps into the Q+A Hot Seat – Tuesday
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| Also arriving on Tuesday is a very special Squiz Kids Q+A with Andy Griffiths. |
| The best bit? Your kids helped make it. We invited students and whole classes to send in the questions they’ve always wanted to ask Andy, from where his wonderfully weird ideas come from and how he writes, to favourite characters, laugh-out-loud and gross-out moments, and what life is like as one of Australia’s best-known children’s authors. |
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| Andy also chats about his latest book, You & Me And the Gigantic Knucklehead, which sends readers into the Land of the Giants, where Johnny Knucklehead has become King… and things, naturally, have gone a little pear-shaped. |
| It’s a great one to play in class if you’re looking to spark a conversation about reading, writing, creativity and where stories come from. |
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Your Year to Lead
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| This week is National Youth Volunteering Week, running from 10–16 August, and it’s a lovely chance to shine a light on the young people already making a difference in their communities. This year’s theme, “Your Year to Lead”, is all about reminding kids that leadership doesn’t have to mean having a title. It can start with taking action, helping someone out or contributing to a cause you care about. |
| In class, you could start by celebrating the volunteers already in your room. Who helps out at a sporting club, cares for animals, supports a community group, joins environmental activities or gives their time in another way? The campaign also highlights the huge variety of places young people volunteer, from sport and the arts to emergency services, conservation and neighbourhood initiatives. |
| It’s also a great springboard for a discussion about why people volunteer and what they get back from it. Volunteering can help young people build skills, confidence and connections, while also strengthening the communities around them. |
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Fun Finish: Straight out of Jumanji 
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| This week’s Fun Finish comes with a warning: you may want to watch this one from behind your fingers. |
| A family on safari in Botswana had a moment that looked straight out of Jumanji or Anaconda when a huge hippo suddenly charged their boat, powering through the water just metres behind them. |
| Hippos might look fairly chilled lounging around in rivers, but they’re famously territorial and can move with alarming speed when they decide you’re too close. |
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| Thankfully, the boat got away, and everyone was fine. But the footage is properly heart-in-mouth stuff. |
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What’s on this week?
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| Here’s what’s happening around the country and the world: |
National Youth Volunteer Week
The Royal Queensland Show, aka “The Ekka”, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary
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Monday, August 10 – World Lion Day
– 1937 – The electric guitar gets an official patent
Tuesday, August 11 – Census Night
Wednesday, August 12 – World Elephant Day
– International Youth Day
Thursday, August 13 – International Left-Handers Day
Friday, August 14 – World Lizard Day
Saturday, August 15 – International Homeless Animal Day
Sunday, August 16 – 2026 Logies |
| A quick correction… Last week we got a little ahead of ourselves and told you National Science Week was this week. Our apologies. We were one week early. National Science Week actually kicks off on Saturday 15 August, |
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Know another teacher who’d enjoy these ideas? Forward this newsletter their way and invite them to join us.
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| That’s it from us this week. |
| We love hearing from you! Reply to this email with any feedback, suggestions, or funny teaching stories, or hit us up at [email protected]. |
| Have a brilliant week in the classroom, |
| – Christie and the Squiz Kids team |
